Suspected Arson at Wastewater Plant Causes Environmental Hazard Near Beersheba

A large fire at an electricity room in a wastewater treatment facility in Shoket, near Meitar, has led to its shutdown and is now causing sewage to flow into the Hebron River, and subsequently into the Beersheba and Besor rivers. Police are investigating the incident, with suspicions of arson and a possible motive related to protection rackets. The investigation is being conducted by police from the Ayarot station in cooperation with the Neve Midbar corporation.

This environmental and sanitary incident has significant implications, reaching as far as Beersheba, where the sewage continues to flow. Local authorities in the region are monitoring the situation and are in contact with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Water Authority, and other professional bodies.

The Beersheba Municipality issued a public update stating that the facility's shutdown is impacting several downstream municipalities, including Al-Khasom, Omer, Bnei Shimon, Meitar, Beersheba, and Eshkol. The municipality emphasized the severity of the incident, calling it an environmental and sanitary offense for which the State of Israel is responsible and must address swiftly. They urged the responsible authorities to quickly restore the facility to operation and prevent future occurrences.